New Online Cosmeceutical Retailer Beauty Mailbox launches In The UK

Beauty Mailbox is a new, online cosmeceutical retailer that offers carefully selected products for a range of specific skin care conditions and it launched a few months ago. I was kindly sent a box to try for myself and over the last few months, that is exactly what I have been doing.  

Founded by Helen Allen, and owner of an aesthetics clinic, she has used her experience and knowledge to hand-selected the best cosmeceutical brands available, sourcing them from official stockists with genuine product guarantees.

Like most people, I do love a good beauty box, the evidence itself clear to see on my blog if you are a regular reader, so when something new comes along that intrigues me, I am always ready to give it a try. Beauty Mailbox offer their customers products that can provide improvement to ageing skins, treatment for rosacea, acne, sun damage and hyperpigmentation to name just a few and instead of becoming bamboozled by what does which for your skin, all of their staff are trained on every product range that we stock and are here to offer you advice on which products will work best for your skin type or concern. What's more is that the website allows you to shop by brand, which is perfect if you know which product it is that you want, or by condition or body part that you want to treat.  From there you can browse through a range of products designed to treat that area.

With a range of brands available, you might very well have used products from the line up already or have heard of the brand, there might also be a few you will never have heard of.  Brands included with Beauty Mailbox includes:

• Healgel, which targets everyday skin problems, was created by a team of leading British plastic and cosmetic surgeons with the help of a renowned award-winning dermatological biochemist. 
• is Clinical range comprises long-term ‘results-oriented’ anti-ageing and clinically proven formulations using the most advanced research technology and pharmaceutical-grade botanical ingredients.
• Medik8 provides science-based professional strength products which are hand-engineered in small batches with a focus on being eco-friendly.
• Obagi Medical, a global speciality pharmaceutical company founded by leading skin care experts in 1988, is designed to help minimise the appearance of premature skin ageing, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, and sun damage. 
• Revitalash is a specialist cosmetics company that focuses on improving the health and appearance of eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. 
• Teoxane, which was developed in Switzerland, are experts in the development and manufacturing of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
• Wunderbrow offer water-proof, smudge-proof and transfer-proof brow perfection which lasts for days. 
• Zo Skin Care provides products that bridge the gap between therapeutic treatments and daily care, allowing customers to experience continuously healthy skin regardless of age or unique skin condition.

Once you have looked through the sections that you feel appeal to you and your skin the most and have selected the products you wish to try, you simply add them to your basket and pay at the checkout and your order should be with you in a few days time.

For me, what really appeals about this service is that it differs from any other form of beauty box I might have bought or been subscribed too and it is one that gives me a chance to pick and choose the products I need for my skin.  If I need a bit of help getting those selections right, then there is some online advice waiting for me from someone who will know the brand and its products inside out, rather than going to a high street store or department store and asking someone who might not necessarily have the answers I need.

Two of the products I was sent to try comes from iS Clinical, a brand I had never come across until now and Medik8, a brand I had heard of but hadn't yet tried. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is described as being a clear, lightweight cleansing gel which is powerful – yet gentle enough for hypersensitive skin. It uses a balance of bionutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients that thoroughly cleanse without stripping essential natural oils.  

What I love about this product is that it literally does everything it says it is going to do.  Living in London, there are days when you have been out and about in public and your skin just feels manky, almost to the point where I want to scratch everything off with my nails, it feels clogged, dirty and just grim.  With this cleansing complex, the ingredients of Glycolic and salicylic acids work to remove dead skin cells and debris to unclog pores as well as absolutely anything sitting on the surface of the skin. Then this formula also contains chamomile extract to soothe redness and irritation, as well as antioxidants such as vitamin E, prevent free radicals from damaging cells and causing signs of ageing.  

From Medik8 is the Full Lash & Brow Duo, a product which is described as being a targeted, clear serum that helps to grow and strengthen lacklustre eyelashes and eyebrows, thanks to a complex of hair-enhancing peptides.  Now if my eyebrow hair grew as fast as the hair on my legs, I would have the perfect bushy brow by now, but until barely not there brow comes back into fashion and I ace it, I am stuck with filling my brows in and using an array of products to fake having big brows.  

Did you know that your eyelashes and eyebrows grow in cycles lasting a few months? Neither did I until I attended a salon for an eyelash lift treatment. During the cycle, hairs go through 3 different stages of life. The first phase is known as anagen or to put it simply, the growth phase and this is where the hair grows to a specific length and then stops. Then comes what is referred to the catagen phase and this is where the hair follicle will shrink down to hold onto the hair before finally entering the telogen phase which is where the hair rests until it is ready to fall out and let a new hair grow through thus repeating that process.  Now for me, my brows obviously need a bit of a kick start to grow and to look fuller than they are and it is said that using this product should help and by using the following ingredients, my brows and lashes should look fuller and healthier:

• Eyelash-Enhancing Peptides – Peptide technology supports the growth cycle of the eyelashes and brows, while strengthening them to prevent breakage.
• Hair-Anchoring Plant Extracts – Soybean and wheat germ extract support hair growth and act as antioxidants to protect from free radical damage.
• Vitamin B5 – Also known as panthenol, vitamin B5 helps the hair’s keratin to retain moisture for nourished lashes and brows.
• Hyaluronic Acid – Able to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid draws hydration to itself, leaving the lashes and brows flexible and shiny.

As you can see the Full Lash & Brow Duo is a double ended product. The eyelash side featuring a small fine brush which makes it easy to apply the serum directly to the lash roots. For the eyebrows, there is a short spoolie which you use to apply the serum directly onto the eyebrows. To use both of the products, it is said that you need to have makeup-free lashes and brows and also to apply it twice daily for the best results.  I have only been using this for around 6 weeks, so as yet, I haven't seen much of a difference that is worthy of being shown, but I will continue to use it because it is easy to use, causes no irritation or leaves redness.

I would love to know what you think to Beauty Mailbox, as you can see it is your traditional type of beauty box where you part with your cash and 5/6 products arrive that are of no use to you.  Instead, you are choosing the products that work best for you, with or without some advice and they arrive ready for use.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

How to Reverse the Effects of Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. Yet, it can be a little bit difficult when its effects start to impact your appearance. If you want to maintain your youthful complexion for as long as humanly possible, find out how to reverse the effects of aging.

Image Credit - Healthline.com

Don’t Consume Too Much Sugar

If you want to look and feel both young and attractive, you should try to cut sugar out of your diet as much as possible. Research has found too much sugar in a person’s diet can alter the essential proteins in their body. The abnormal proteins can ultimately lead to a lack of energy and the development of wrinkles. So, remain young and beautiful by skipping the sweet treats.

Adopt the Mediterranean Diet

In addition to avoiding sugar, you should also adopt a diet that can help you to maintain a youthful mind and body. For example, many scientific studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to a sharper mind and a stronger, healthier body. It could also reduce the risk of dementia, breast cancer, and heart disease. So, you should aim to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and olive oil into your diet.

Regularly Walk in the Great Outdoors

Everyone should experience a minimum of ten to fifteen minutes of sunshine three times per week, as it will provide their body with their required vitamin D dosage. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who have higher vitamin D levels will have longer telomeres, which are protective caps on the end of chromosomes, and can help people enjoy younger cells, so it can slow down the aging process.

Consider a Hair Transplant

British men are more affected by hair loss than most European nations. Yet, nine out of ten men refuse to take action to resolve the problem, which can be caused by aging. If you are struggling with hair thinning, you can maintain a more youthful look with a hair transplant, which can make you feel happier in your appearance. If you would like to learn more about the procedure, research into effective hair transplant results.

Take a Break

According to one 2004 study, women who experience high levels of stress can appear a decade older than their age, which is in comparison to their less stressed counterparts. If you want to avoid wrinkles, fine lines around the eyes, and dark circles, regularly try to take a break to reduce or eliminate stress from your daily life. Also, embark on activities that can help you to combat stress, such as meditation, sleep, and a massage. You’ll feel much better for it, and you could potentially look younger than your years.

Enjoy Cardio Three Times Per Week

Multiple studies have found that cardio exercises, such as running, swimming, and walking, cannot only help to clear a person’s mind and improve their mood, but it can also protect the brain from cognitive decline caused by aging. Cardio exercise can also help a person enjoy a stronger heart and lungs, whilst keeping their muscles toned. So, try to experience 45 minutes of cardio activity at least three times per week.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

How to enjoy the sun safely this Summer*

We all love catching a few rays over the summer, although the British weather can make this a real challenge sometimes! Not only does sunbathing help us to get a healthy-looking, bronzed glow, but it is sometimes recommended that we spend 10 to 20 minutes in the sun each day to help our bodies produce the Vitamin D we need to stay healthy.

Although enjoying the sun is one of the best parts of summer, it’s important to do so safely to minimise the risk of any damage to your skin. Find out what steps you can take before, during and after tanning to stay safe in the sun this summer with the infographic below from the team at Vitabiotics Perfectil Plus Protan, the tanning vitamin.

Even more tanning tips!

For even more tanning tips, keep reading to discover how to make the most of the sunshine.

False tan

If you want a glow before you head off on holiday, or you struggle to get a tan regularly, skip the dangerous sunbeds and opt for false tan instead. Gradual self-tan can help you to avoid orange-skin disasters, as can making sure your skin is in good condition by regularly exfoliating and moisturising.

How to tan if you’re pale

If you’re fair-skinned or pale, you may find it challenging to get a tan without jumping straight to getting burned. Being fair-skinned puts you at a higher risk of getting sunburnt, so it’s vital that you choose a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Don’t worry - even with a high strength sunscreen, you’ll still be able to develop a tan.

The best way to give yourself a chance of getting the bronzed glow of your dreams is by taking things slowly and gradually building up your tan. Start by spending 20 to 30 minutes at a time in the sun, and building up this time gradually over a number of days or weeks. Take plenty of time away from the sun to give your skin a break, and make sure to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in between sessions. 

If you find that no matter what you do, you just can’t get a tan, it’s probably worth considering stocking up on bronzer and fake tan as an alternative or learning to love the pale look

Going without sunscreen

You may be tempted to skip the sunscreen if you’re looking to build a tan quickly. Although 10 to 20 minutes per day in the sun without sunscreen, with bare arms and legs, is recommended to help vitamin D production, you should not spend further time in the sun without adequate protection. 

Wearing sunscreen does not prevent you from getting a tan, but will prevent you from sunburn or skin damage. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially after a dip in the sea!

If you’re planning on enjoying the sun this summer, whether at home or abroad, make sure to follow these easy tips to stay skin safe.

*this post may contain PR samples, paid for links and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Two New Launches

If you have never come across the brand Alpha-H before, they are described as being a pioneering Australian skincare brand who combines active natural ingredients and the latest in scientific technology to bring a range of skincare and anti-ageing products that will help you achieve a brighter, smooth and visibly more radiant complexion.  Over my time getting to know the brand, I have learnt so much about my skin, what will and won't work and how simple changes to a routine can really shake things up.

I was lucky enough to be present for the launch of two new products from Alpha-H and they recently launched on to QVC.  The first is the Liquid Gold Ultimate Mask and the second is the super-sized Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream. I was also kindly given a Liquid Gold 24 Hour Moisture Repair Cream too.

The Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream is described as being a luxurious multi-tasking cream cleanser which purifies and primes, eliminating dead skin cells and pollution particles to leave the skin smooth, brightened and plump. 

Designed to gently exfoliate your skin whilst removing makeup and daily grime, it is enriched with lime pearl AHA's, glycolic and lactic acid.  Lime Pearl is described as being a new natural source AHA which has been sustainably extracted from precious native Australian caviar lime. Rich in organic citric acids, it breaks down dirt, eliminates dead skin cells, pollution particles, impurities and anything else found lurking on the skin. When using the cleanser, you only need to mix it with a small amount of water to create a creamy emulsion, whilst using this cleanser, at no point did it sting or tingle, instead it was just incredibly nourishing.

 At the launch of these products, it was explained that by using Combination Hydroxy Acids (CHAs) they break down the adhesive bonds that bind dull, tired, deoxygenated dead skin cells together thus allowing them to be shed quicker.  Once it has done so, left behind is vibrant skin cells which leave your complexion looking renewed. Improving your skin's texture, moisture levels and having removed impurities, your skin is then primed to better absorb other products that you put on to your skin - be it serums, moisturisers or oils. By allowing them to penetrate into the skin deeper and work more effectively it can change how well your make up applies too because no longer will it cling too and sit on dead and dry skin.

The second of the new launches is the Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask which is described as being the ideal product to help your complexion look more luminous. It is said that from the age of 25 onwards the skin's capacity to regenerate itself begins to wane and as we reach our 30's, 40's and so on, the skin becomes increasingly dull looking, a bit lacklustre and wrinkles begin to make their appearance, as well as our collagen production, becoming less and less.  Instead of wearing thicker foundation, over caking the makeup and hiding behind what is essentially a mask, Alpha-H wants to take a different approach - this mask.

The Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask is marketed as being an advanced home peel which blends Combination Hydroxy Acids with a nourishing base of Squalane, Shea Butter and Fision Hydrate (a moisturiser containing wheat acids and Hyaluronic Acid), together they create a product which is said to deliver immediate and intense long-term hydration to repair the skin's barrier function.  I have combination skin which leaves me with an oily tzone and dry cheeks, so I often find I need the extra hydration. This mask is perfect for a treat once a week because essentially it is an at-home peel which doesn't have any downtime so after using, my skin doesn't look or feel sore, it isn't peeling and nor does it look flaky and in worse condition than when I started.

The Mask contains 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids and is the highest percentage home peel that Alpha-H have ever developed. There is also the inclusion of Tazman Pepper which is extracted from the Tazmanian pepper berry and it helps reduce inflammation, tingling and redness in the skin. To be used as a once a week treatment by applying a thin layer to the face avoiding the eye and lip area, it should be left on the skin for a maximum of ten minutes. There is a very slight tingling sensation when you apply this mask and it is nothing to worry about, this just indicates that the actives are working. After ten minutes remove with lots of warm water and as with other Alpha-H products you should always wear an SPF, something you should do daily anyway, but definitely after using this. I have been using this once a week for the last 6 weeks and the biggest difference for me is the change in texture of my skin, no dead or dry skin on my cheeks or around my nose and whilst there was a tingling sensation, it wasn't in the slightest bit uncomfortable, it didn't sting and there was no more redness after using than my skin would usually have.

The final product I have been using is the Liquid Gold 24 Hour Moisture Repair Cream which is described as being a luxurious, transitional day-to-night moisturiser with contains handpicked ingredients such as Chia Seed, Squalane, Argan Stem Cells, Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Matrixyl-6 Peptide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and 24 Carat Gold Flakes. The combination of Avocado Oil, Chia Seed, Hyaluronic Acid and Olive-derived Squalane immediately moisturise the skin, making it feel more smooth and supple. Naturally derived Glycolic and Lactic Acids exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin to give an instantly brighter appearance and light-reflecting 24 Carat Gold Flakes give radiance and luminosity.

To be used as cleansing, you should apply 2 pumps covering the face, next and décolletage. It works to brighten and enhance the appearance of lifeless, dry, ageing or sun-damaged skin with this nourishing moisturiser. The cream is also said to be particularly beneficial to apply to the neck and décolletage to help improve the appearance of crepey skin day and night. I first used this cream over a year ago (here) and I love how smooth this feels when applied to the skin and even more so, I love that it isn't thick or greasy and that it doesn't leave any hint of ever being on the skin.  If and when you do use these products, you do need to ensure you use an SPF30 or more.

I am a huge fan of Alpha-H skincare and I love how my skin feels whilst I am using the products and they don't come overhyped or promising things they cannot do, what you see is what you get with Alpha-H and you can find the majority of the products on sale at Marks and Spencer, so they are also readily available too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here